Not too long ago a poll was created regarding if MineCove survival should move to a new map. Click here to review said poll and associated information.

The majority currently has voted to wait for the map migration until 1.11 is released. So, from here we'll plan to do just that!

Some important info regarding precisely when we might be able to migrate to a new map:

1.11 currently has no set release date and was just announced last month. If we look at Mojang's release trend, we can probably estimate a stable 1.11 version to be released no later than Spring 2017. Keep in mind however, Mojang is typically inconsistent with releases. 1.11 may come much sooner, or it may come much later.

We not only need to wait for 1.11 to be released, but for a stable 1.11 server version to be available. This typically takes approximately a month following a version release date.

Finally, once a stable 1.11 server version is released, we need to ensure that all core plugins have also have stable updates. Typically most plugins are updated within a few weeks of a release, but in the past there have always been a few stragglers that take an additional 1 - 2 months to iron out.

Therefore, if we use a conservative estimate here, we should expect to move to a new map by Summer 2017.

Once again, this is a best estimation based on the limited information provided to us by Mojang. We may move sooner than this or later. It depends entirely on the operation of Mojang.

A small but very important feature has been added to MineCove that warrants it's own announcement - The addition of the (Newbie) rank.

This new rank is obtainable only by new players who have joined the server. Further, this rank will last for only 3 hours. It's purpose is to allow any new players to stand out in chat so that they can receive better assistance from both the staff and the community. Typically following the initial 'Welcome to MineCove!', a new player is quickly forgotten. Further, they are frequently treated no differently than some of our veteran players wherein they are held to the impossible standard of having full knowledge of MineCove and it's workings. This isn't right and I know we can do better.

So I'd like to ask you, the community, to do the following - When you see a player with the (Newbie)tag, give them the benefit of the doubt. If they break a rule or make a poor judgement call, it's likely because they simply are unaware of our policies. Granted, there will be those few who join with the sole intent of causing a ruckus, but you leave those folks to the staff to handle

Thank you guys - Lets see if we can make MineCove an even more inviting community!
Val

Once you click this, hover your mouse over one of the panels on the top row

From there, the tooltips should explain how the new system works. If too many folks find themselves scratching their heads, we'll provide more in depth explanations. Hopefully the system is simple enough that it can be understood by all.

You may have heard rumors about MineCove Wristbands - I'd like to clarify that these rumors are absolutely true!

Currently we are designing wristbands to be sent to anyone who wants them for free!
That's right! Real life wrist bands that, if a player wants one, can receive one at zero cost for the band or for shipping.

These wristbands would be similar to those silicon wristbands that you may see others wearing to support a charity or cause. Or - Perhaps you already have some of your own. If you're unsure what I'm talking about, click here for an example.

Design

Our wristbands would come in six different forms. However all of the wristbands will follow this format:

They will all be debossed (Text is set into the bracelet instead of being flat or sticking out)

They will all contain the server IP on the front

They will all contain the server's motto "Join a Community, Not a Server" on the inside

Now the differences would be as follows:

Default band

The top rectangle would be the outside of the band with our server IP and a small Kermit insignia on the opposite side.
The bottom rectangle would be the inside of the band, this would contain our slogan.

500 Default bands would be ordered (250 adult/250 child)

Iron band

Instead of the Kermit insignia, this band has the Iron tag on the back side
This band will glow in the dark

100 Iron bands would be ordered (50 adult/50 child)

Gold band

This gold band would, similar to the iron band, have the Gold tag on the back side
This band will glow in the dark

With our ongoing effort to improve communication with the community, a new small (but important!) feature has been added - /changelog

Executing this command in game will list off a chat message stating the latest changes made to the server. A date is included so that you know how recent these changes are. It's read in concise, bullet point format. Overall, it should keep you up to date with any changes relevant to you, the player.

I would suggest to get in the habit of checking this daily, however it will likely not be updated on a daily basis. This way you can be aware of changes as soon as practical.

I'm pleased to announce that MineCove's quest system is now officially out of beta phase and out for all players to enjoy!

MineCove's quests can be found at /warp quests. These quests each require that you collect a specified number of a certain block and return it to the quest NPC. Thus far, the quests are themed as follows:

Miner

Diver

Farmer

Subterranean

Frosty

GlassBlower

Artist

HellDiver

Excavator

What is required of you to collect? You'll just have to see at /warp quests!

Completing each quest will earn you an amount of Lunas. This amount will be small to start, but will progressively grow as you continue through each quest type. Currently, there are ten (10) levels per quest that yield a greater amount of Lunas for completing as you progress.

Stuck? Confused? File a /modreq in game ask in chat. Quests are rather straight forward and likely someone has the answer you are looking for.

Finally - A big thank you to Soup for configuring, testing, and ironing out all the wrinkles for our quests. Be sure to show him your gratitude next you see him in game!

I hope you all enjoy, if you've any suggestions - By all means let us know!
Valphon

Today marks four years since MineCove was officially opened on September 1st, 2012.

Four years ago today, myself and the staff team at the time opened up MineCove's community to the vast population of Minecraft players to be a part of. None of us knew what the future held. Not who we were going to meet, not the problems we'd encounter, nor the friends we'd make. It's truly been an incredible ride these past four years. I believe if we went back in time to the day we opened, told everyone what MineCove would later become, we'd have baffled the masses - How could a Minecraft community be so great? So exceptional?

But here we are folks. Four years of MineCove and we have the best community out there. The compassion you show each other, the manner in which each and every one of you looks out for one another, and the friendliness you show to new players - I can honestly say I am the proudest server Owner out there too.

I thank each and every one of you for being a part of MineCove's community. Thank you for making these last four years worthwhile. And most of all - Thank you for being exactly who you are. We wouldn't be right where we are today without you.

I look forward to serving you all for a long time to come. Here's to four years of MineCove and many more!